+jeff35080 Posted April 29, 2003 Share Posted April 29, 2003 Today marks the most exciting day in my benchmark hunting history I recovered a 100 year-old benchmark disk. I have spent literally hundreds of hours in the area of the benchmark when I was younger, as did my brother, Readymixer. This past weekend I found a Geocache near the area of the disk and as I always do I clicked the 'Find Nearest Benchmark' link on the cache page and discovered that this old disk was nearby the cache area. With Readymixer's help, I was able to travel to the location of the benchmark and to recover and photograph it. Both Readymixer and I have visited this location on numerous occasions before today and never knew of the mark's existence. To say the least, I am thrilled with being able to recover this old disk. Here's the link to the benchmark page: http://www.geocaching.com/mark/details.asp?PID=DH0704 The general public may never even notice these little round disks, but finding an old one like this is something that really gives me an awesome feeling that can't not be described in written words. Cheers! Jeff http://www.StarsFellOnAlabama.com http://www.NotAChance.com If you hide it, they will come.... Quote Link to comment
survey tech Posted April 29, 2003 Share Posted April 29, 2003 Thats great Jeff, its one of the oldest USGS disks I have ever seen, and in fine condition, considering its probably been submerged by flooding at times down through the years. Its an encouraging sign, which may indicate there are other very old ones surviving in your part of Alabama, in undeveloped or long neglected areas that are off the beaten path such as this. I know its a great feeling to come across one like this, like finding a 1903 coin in your change from the grocery store. Quote Link to comment
+jeff35080 Posted April 29, 2003 Author Share Posted April 29, 2003 Thanks survey tech! I was very excited to be able to recover and document it for future generations. I do hope to recover some more older marks such as this here in Central Alabama. I really wish that I could have brought everyone that posts here with me to recover this benchmark as I know that all would have felt the same thrill as I and my brother did. Jeff http://www.StarsFellOnAlabama.com http://www.NotAChance.com If you hide it, they will come.... Quote Link to comment
+embra Posted April 29, 2003 Share Posted April 29, 2003 Congratulations, Jeff, that's a great find. A centennial benchmark! Max Often wrong but seldom in doubt Quote Link to comment
+happycycler Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Terrrific! Great photos also! Thank you for taking us along with your description and photos! Quote Link to comment
+joefrog Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 That's really cool! I'll have to see if I can find it, now! Joel (joefrog) "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for ye are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" Quote Link to comment
+TEAM 360 Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Way to go!! I know the feeling when you come across an oldie like that...amazing it's still there... Quote Link to comment
+cmpalmer Posted June 26, 2003 Share Posted June 26, 2003 One thing I've noticed about these old disks, unless they have been replaced, is that the fine has remained constant for 100+ years. Is that true? Shouldn't it be adjusted for inflation by now? Quote Link to comment
survey tech Posted June 26, 2003 Share Posted June 26, 2003 Thats right, it has never been changed. It was intended to be severe, as $250 was a tremendous sum 100 years ago, but now its little more than a slap on the wrist. Congress just never has time to get around to it. Quote Link to comment
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